Mass amounts of rock removed

• More than 40,000 cubic metres of material has been removed from the Sideling road, widening it as part of the $120 million redevelopment.

By Taylor Clyne
December 14, 2022

The Sideling Road, Tasman Highway, has been closed for more than eight weeks and will remain that way until early 2023.

The significant landslip that occurred near the ‘rock wall’ is still under repair with extensive work being undertaken by contractors.

A Department of State Growth spokesperson said it is a complex repair in a challenging environment.

“Our contractors have been building a gabion wall down the embankment and will support the road and help prevent future landslip events at this location.”

The Advertiser has been advised that the site, which initially spanned around eight metres of road, had blown out to more than 30 metres when inspections on the structural soundness was done.

The road base and all of the underpinning was compromised and a new foundation, 20 metres on the forest floor was needed to be built to re stabilise the structure.

“We understand the importance of reopening the road to traffic as soon as safely possible and the contractor is working seven days a week to get the work done,” the spokesperson said.

As for the expected cost of this work.

“The design of the emergency repairs is being developed as construction progresses and so the final cost will not be known until the works are complete.”

Meanwhile it’s been good news for the Sideling redevelopment project with more than 40,000 cubic metres of material removed.

The upgrade project is on track and work is progressing at a lighting rate without the need for traffic management and cars.

“The next section, Whish Wilsons Road to Scottsdale, is currently in the design phase and work is progressing well,” the department spokesperson said.

A community information session will be held in early 2023.

“Initial assessments of stage two (the Lookout to St Patricks River) is complete and will progress to detailed design in 2023.”

It not yet confirmed which route stage two will follow, either along the existing Sideling Road or taking the alternate ‘shortcut’ along Weelaty/Corkereys.

“The route for stage two has not yet been chosen.

“In 2023, we will be doing concept designs, an options analysis and consulting with the community before moving to the detailed design once the route is chosen.”

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson thanked the community for their patience while the road has been closed.

“I can assure residents and tourists alike that we will not keep this road closed an hour longer than we have to.”